The Greenville Jaycees will help in celebrating National Boating and Fishing Week June 11 with its third annual Kid's Fishing Day at Sherling Lake.

Children ages 5-14 will be allowed to fish on the pier or along the shore of the upper lake area that Saturday from 7-11 a.m.

National Boating and Fishing Week begins this Saturday and continues through June 11.

This is the third year the Jaycees have been apart of the fishing day along with the City of Greenville and Wal-Mart. Thousands of catfish will be brought into the lake area and netted off so that the children are all but assured to catch a fish that day on Sherling Lake.

"It's a big deal for the children," said Greenville Jaycees president William Martin. "The main reason we do this is for those children who do not have a chance to fish, introduce it to them and also get more children involved in fishing. It's a thrill for the Jaycees to get involved in the community and to help children."

More than 70 children participated last year, and Martin said he would not be surprised if that many or more are fishing next Saturday.

Martin said that the kids will be allowed to keep what they catch, but he said there will be a creel limit of 6-8 fish per person.

Following the half day of fishing, a hot dog lunch will also be served to the children.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources commissioner Barnett Lawley proclaimed June 11 as Free Fishing Day.

During that day, residents and non-residents can fish within the state without a fishing license.

Some lakes and wildlife management areas may still require a fee to fish, but a license is not required.

Lowndes County will also observe National Boating and Fishing Week with a children's fishing tournament this Saturday for kids ages 15 and under at Bob Woodruff Lake in White Hall. The tournament will run from 8-11 a.m.

Children 15 and under who are accompanied by an adult also will be allowed to fish for free at the Lowndes County Wildlife Management area from 8 a.m. until noon.